Enterprise bids farewell after 51 years, 25 deployments

http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2012/11/navy-so-long-enterprise-retires-after-51-years-113012/ Enterprise bids farewell after 51 years, 25 deployments By Sam Fellman - Staff writer Posted : Friday Nov 30, 2012 13:47:05 EST ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER ENTERPRISE — It may be 51 years old, but this flattop is fast. The supercarrier proved that once again the day before pulling into Norfolk, Va., from its final deployment. Rumors once held “Big E” to be one of the fleet’s fastest ships, capable of sailing nearly 50 miles an hour. After 25 deployments, the Enterprise — powered by a whopping eight reactors — still packs a punch. “We did a speed run yesterday,” said Capt. Bill Hamilton, the ship’s commanding officer, after the ship pulled in Nov. 4. “We basically set the speed record with it. So it might be 51 years old, but this crew — this fantastic crew — kept her going bett...